LONDON (AP) – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said Monday he was happy with the club, although he did not go into details. weekend outburst He said he had just endured the worst conditions since arriving in June 2024.
After Saturday’s 2-0 win against Everton, Maresca said: “The last 48 hours have been the worst since I joined the club” as “not many people supported me and the team”.
The Italian manager did not specify who he was referring to, other than to say it was not about Chelsea supporters, and did not provide further details two days later despite repeated questions about his comments.
“I respect people’s opinions,” Maresca said at a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s English League Cup quarter-final match against Third Division Cardiff. “But I have nothing to add and my focus is only on tomorrow’s game.”
Asked if he was contributing “100 per cent” to Chelsea, Maresca said: “Of course I am.”
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and 13th in the 36-team Champions League, aiming to reach the cup semi-finals for the third time since Maresca’s arrival.
With the win against Everton, Chelsea ended a four-game winless streak in all competitions.
Palmer is absent
Maresca said Cole Palmer would not be able to take part in the Wales tour as he seeks to make a full recovery from a groin injury that has limited him to seven games in all competitions this season.
Palmer scored the opening goal against Everton but was sent off in the 58th minute.
“Cole is one of those guys you have to protect,” Maresca said. “At the moment he will be unavailable for two of the three games.”
Other quarterfinal matches
On Wednesday, Manchester City host Brentford, while Fulham visit defending champions Newcastle.
Next week, Arsenal will host Crystal Palace in the fourth leg of the quarter-finals.
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